Liberty West drivers score a win at Super Bowl halftime show
Seasoned Liberty West truck drivers secured a win at Super Bowl LIX even before the Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts touched the football.
These truckers made sure a winter storm did not play spoilsport and freeze the halftime show in its tracks earlier this month.
The trucking company was contracted to haul 28 truckloads of Super Bowl halftime show stage and set equipment from Los Angeles, Calif., to Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
Freight included the Buick GNX that featured prominently during Kendrick Lamar’s performance. The big rigs were also carrying set pieces that included LED video panels, custom-built stage platforms, lighting rigs, audio equipment, and structural supports for the performance area.
Rare winter storm in Louisiana
The trucks were rolling along on schedule, until they encountered a rare winter storm in Louisiana, according to Sean LeBlanc, enterprise marketing manager, Kriska Transportation Group (KTG). Liberty West is a KTG company.
LeBlanc said 22 of the 28 semis were stranded at a truck stop about 30 miles (48 km) from the stadium. The trucks sheltered there for a couple of days as the storm raged on, covering highways and bridges in ice.
Six trucks that were staged near the stadium arrived on schedule and began offloading their cargo.
The truck stop was operating on reduced hours, limiting access to food, showers and other amenities. Despite the discomfort, the Liberty West drivers were focused on delivering their goods safely and on time.
Lead drivers Greg and David coordinated with state police and explained the urgency of the delivery, LeBlanc said. State troopers frequently checked on the drivers and provided updates on road conditions.
Local residents who heard about the situation offered to guide the truckers to the stadium with their 4×4 trucks. Police granted permission to the truck drivers to proceed once a safe route was found.
Guided by locals, LeBlanc said that the 22-truck Liberty West convoy carefully navigated the ice-covered roads. The drivers’ winter driving experience helped deliver the freight safely, he added.
The trucks made it to Caesars Superdome just in time, ensuring the show went on as planned.
Hurts was named MVP after helping the Philadelphia Eagles dominate the Kansas City Chiefs and win the Super Bowl. He finished with 221 passing yards, two touchdowns, 72 rushing yards on 11 carries and a rushing touchdown.
The Liberty West drivers drove the last 30 miles in challenging icy conditions to score a win.
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